LUMBAR SPINE STENOSIS - A COMMON-CAUSE OF BACK AND LEG PAIN

Lumbar spine stenosis most commonly affects the middle-aged and elderl y, population, Entrapment of the cauda equina roots by hypertrophy of the osseous and soft tissue structures surrounding the lumbar spinal c anal is often associated with incapacitating pain in the back and lowe r extremities, difficulty ambulating, leg paresthesias and weakness an d in severe cases bowel or bladder disturbances. The characteristic sy ndrome associated with lumbar stenosis is termed neurogenic intermitte nt claudication. This condition must be differentiated from true claud ication, which is caused by atherosclerosis of the pelvofemoral vessel s. Although many conditions may be associated with lumbar canal stenos is, most cases are idiopathic, Imaging of the lumbar spine performed w ith computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging often demonstrat es narrowing of the lumbar canal with compression of the cauda equina nerve roots by thickened posterior vertebral elements, facet joints, m arginal osteophytes or soft tissue structures such as the ligamentum f lavum or herniated discs. Treatment for symptomatic lumbar stenosis is usually surgical decompression, Medical treatment alternatives, such as bed rest, pain management and physical therapy, should be reserved for use in debilitated patients or patients whose surgical risk is pro hibitive as a result of concomitant medical conditions.